This most recent model of the premium Fenix outdoor timepiece includes a life-saving capability: no-phone messaging and emergency alerts using 4G LTE or orbital links.
The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already impressive Fenix 8 by adding cutting-edge cellular tech, plus an optional state-of-the-art microLED screen in a limited edition. It is the brand's top model and engineered to be the only tool needed to explore virtually anywhere and monitor every activity.
This positions it as an very expensive proposition, starting at £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, A$2,300) for the 47mm OLED version and reaching a colossal £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/A$3,399) for the 51mm variant with microLED screen – nearly twice the price of the regular Fenix 8.
Users receive a lot of functionality for your money, with best-in-class workout, movement and adventure tracking. The full offline maps of the globe can seamlessly guide you return to the trail if you lose your way absent a phone, and appear excellent on the sizable, crisp and high-luminance display.
The Fenix 8 Pro is exclusively offered in 47mm or 51mm case sizes, omitting the smaller 43mm version available in other devices, so it is a large watch for bigger wrists. However the 47mm OLED model as tested boasts an extra day of watch battery life despite the display on all the time, lasting a reliable eight to nine days between charges.
Phone-Free Messaging, Calls and Real-Time Location
Garmin operates its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite service service instead of depending on a watch plan linked to your phone provider, like other wearables. But unlike competing satellite-enabled devices, SOS communication is not provided for free.
Rather, subscriptions start at £7.99 or similar a month, which includes limitless LTE SMS and voice messaging, calls and LiveTrack position sharing – so your friends or family can monitor you while out jogging, cycling or similar pursuits – along with emergency orbital SOS alerts.
Check-ins and messages over satellite are then charged additionally, with higher-tier plans including various allowances of satellite use, increasing to a £50 a month unlimited subscription. The watch comes with a 30-day trial period so you can evaluate the functionality.
Once you have got it set up, you simply head out the door minus your phone and the watch will link to LTE. You cannot use it for streaming music or comparable activities, but you are able to place and receive calls, dispatch texts and generally stay connected with your family and friends.
When you message someone, Garmin dispatches them an SMS from a arbitrary phone number, which they can reply to back to your watch. If they download the Garmin Messenger application, you can then communicate reciprocally via text or voice communications, and make voice calls. Your contact is not required to have a Garmin profile to use the Messenger app, just a phone number is sufficient to sign up for texts.
Messaging on the watch works adequately but composing texts on the tiny on-screen keyboard is slow. It includes a set of customisable canned replies you can use to speed things up. Voice messages and calls perform acceptably, though as with the majority of wearables, you’re not going to wish to use it for lengthy discussions as the quality is not fantastic.
LiveTrack is the most useful feature. You can configure to automatically transmit a link to selected contacts whenever you begin an activity, so they can follow your live position on a map. It’s excellent for monitoring competition performance, but it mostly acts as a utility for someone you trust to be aware of your whereabouts in case an incident occurs. It has generally functioned well, though the real position has sometimes lagged when transitioning in and out of good LTE coverage.
These features are accessible on other Garmin devices if you carry your phone with you, but in locations where LTE lacks coverage, the orbital kicks in on the Fenix 8 Pro to send texts, location check-ins and SOS SOS.
A guide shows you how to find the line of sight to the satellite, which then sends and receives communications within about 10 to 30 seconds. It was surprisingly easy to use and could be a crucial lifeline, however it is essential to remember that orbital service is limited to the US continent, the majority of Canada, and the majority of Europe except for parts of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north.
Sustainability
The watch is generally repairable with services available via the support portal. The battery is certified to maintain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly charging. The watch does not contain any reused components. Garmin offers disposal programs on new purchases.
Cost
This Fenix 8 Pro is priced from £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). The optional Garmin inReach subscription plans cost from £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).
Verdict
This Fenix 8 Pro takes a excellent adventure watch in the regular Fenix 8 and incorporates LTE for messaging, call functionality and LiveTrack – along with orbital communication, check-in and SOS SOS for when you’re out of signal.
Outcome is an even more impressive outdoor device for those that desire to be phone-free. If you wish to have someone monitor you from afar while running after dark or in the middle of nowhere, the Garmin does so without needing anything else.
It is quite freeing to be outdoors without a phone, but that capability comes at quite a price, both in terms of the substantial price of the watch and the monthly subscription of the inReach service to enable the features. Fortunately it is not dependent on your phone carrier so functions with all brand of smartphone and network.
The Fenix 8 Pro is a top-tier device for someone who dislikes being burdened by their phone when running, cycling or trekking, but still desires to be trackable and contactable. For everyone else, it is a lot of expense when the excellent Fenix 8 is already available.
Pros: LTE and orbital messaging, high-luminance OLED display, tracks all activities with premier GPS, integrated flashlight, voice and standalone voice control, 8+ day endurance, Garmin Pay, full offline maps and routes, offline Spotify, 100-metre water resistance and 40-metre diving, buttons and touchscreen.
Cons: very expensive, LTE and orbital features need ongoing subscription, restricted Garmin Pay bank compatibility, speech capabilities are sluggish, limited wearable features compared with Apple/Google/Samsung watches.
